Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have entered not guilty pleas in response to criminal charges levied against them in the United States. The scene was captured in a courtroom sketch showing Maduro alongside Flores.

The United Nations Security Council has engaged in discussions concerning the broader impacts of the recent raid, which has drawn criticism from major international players like Russia and China, as well as Venezuela’s left-leaning allies.

During the hearing, Judge Alvin Hellerstein outlined the charges listed in the indictment. Maduro, using headphones for translation, listened intently. When asked by Judge Hellerstein to stand and verify his identity, Maduro responded in Spanish. The judge also informed the couple of their right to notify the Venezuelan consulate about their arrests.

Judge Hellerstein summarised the charges in the indictment. Maduro listened on headphones through an interpreter. Hellerstein asked Maduro to stand and confirm his identity. He replied in Spanish. The judge told the couple of their right to inform the Venezuelan consulate of their arrests.

An updated indictment made public on Saturday added some new details and co-defendants, including Flores.

US oil companies’ shares jumped on Monday, fueled by the prospect of access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves — about 303 billion barrels — but the sector has long been in decline from mismanagement, under-investment and US sanctions.

Acting president calls for ‘respectful’ relationship with US

“Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.”

Just how the US would work with a post-Maduro government is unclear.